The White Lion

Discover The White Lion Pub in Ystradowen, Cowbridge, where delightful meals and Sunday lunches await! Indulge in our mouthwatering steak and tempting desserts, all crafted with care by our expert kitchen team. Celebrate special moments with us—call +44 1446 774444 to reserve a table today!

4.5 - EWN Awards
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Welcome to The White Lion

The White Lion in Ystradowen offers an exceptional dining experience with its warm atmosphere and top-notch food and drink. Whether you're here for a casual meal or a special celebration, this cosy spot excels in serving delicious dishes and craft drinks. The attentive staff ensures a welcoming experience, making every visit feel like coming home. Families and groups will find this place ideal, thanks to its accessible amenities and varied menu. Don't miss out on their famous Sunday lunches, which are a local highlight. With a full service offering, including outdoor seating, The White Lion caters to all, making it a beloved destination in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Nestled in the charming Vale of Glamorgan, The White Lion offers an exceptional dining experience paired with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a diverse menu featuring delicious seafood, succulent steaks, and delightful desserts, perfect for Sunday lunch or any celebration. Our extensive drink selection includes local craft beers, fine wines, and creative cocktails. With comfortable accommodation, outdoor seating, and wheelchair accessibility, we cater to all guests, including families and pets. Whether you're dining solo or with groups, The White Lion invites you to relax and indulge in the best food and drink in Ystradowen. Reservations are welcome!

Services, Amenities and More

Service options
Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great beer selection
Great wine list
Popular for
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Food
Food at bar
Free water refills
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Seating
Table service

Photo Gallery

View Menu Photos

Reviews Overview

Most Liked

Patrons rave about the generous portions at The White Lion, especially during Sunday lunch, which is a local favorite. The well-executed dishes come hot and flavorful, making every bite a delight.

The attentive service stands out, with friendly staff members who make guests feel welcome and valued. Many reviews highlight the positive interactions with the team, contributing to a relaxed atmosphere.

The diverse menu caters to various tastes, offering everything from hearty steaks to fresh seafood. The selection of craft beers and wines enhances the experience, making it a great spot for both casual dining and special celebrations.

Most Disliked

During peak hours, especially on Sundays, the wait can stretch longer than expected, leading to crowded seating. Reservations are advisable, particularly for large groups, to avoid disappointment.

Some guests find the menu a tad limited on certain days. However, the quality of the available dishes typically outweighs this concern.

On busy nights, service can slow down as staff juggle high demand. While the team is always friendly, slower service during rush times can detract slightly from the overall experience.

User Reviews

HC
Huw C.
1 months ago

Lovely Sunday lunch for a birthday celebration. Food was absolutely delicious and piping hot. Generous portions and reasonably priced. Service was fantastic and nothing was too much trouble for the staff.We will be back.

SR
Sarah R.
2 weeks ago

We’ve dined at The White Lion more times than I can count, and each visit feels like coming home to something truly special. From the moment you step through the door, you’re greeted with a warm, genuine welcome that sets the tone for the entire experience. The staff are consistently wonderful—friendly, attentive, and effortlessly accommodating, always going the extra mile to make you feel relaxed and cared for. The food? Simply outstanding. Every single dish we’ve tried has been fresh, beautifully prepared, and served piping hot. Whether it’s a classic pub favourite or a seasonal special, the flavours are rich, the portions generous, and the presentation thoughtful without being fussy. You can tell there’s real pride in the kitchen—ingredients are clearly sourced with care, and the menu strikes that perfect balance between comfort and creativity. The atmosphere is another reason we keep coming back. The White Lion is tastefully decorated with a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. It’s cozy without being cramped, stylish without feeling pretentious. Whether you’re tucked into a corner for a quiet meal or celebrating with friends and family, the space adapts beautifully. And it’s always spotless—clean, tidy, and clearly well looked after. There’s something about The White Lion that makes it more than just a place to eat. It’s a place to unwind, to connect, to celebrate. It’s where we’ve marked milestones, shared laughter, and enjoyed countless moments of simple joy. In a world full of rushed meals and impersonal service, The White Lion stands out as a haven of warmth, quality, and genuine hospitality. Without a doubt, it’s our favourite spot—not just for the food, but for the feeling it gives us every time we’re there. If you’re looking for a country pub that delivers on every front, The White Lion it is! But please, have a secret menu for the Nachos for when I visit next! 😂

Ga
Gareth
2 months ago

Eaten at the White Lion several times over last few months. Burger night on a Thursday is great. Decent selection of burgers and they’re a good size. Freshly made pizzas have been added to the menu in the evening for eating at the bar, outside or takeaway and these too are excellent. Staff always chatty and friendly 👌

LP
Luke P.
3 months ago

We live locally and go to The White Lion quite often. Vicky the Manager is always welcoming and the food and service are always fantastic. Highly recommend the Sunday lunch!!

JH
Julia H.
6 months ago

Just had Easter Sunday lunch! Stunning. Oodles of food. Plenty of veg, gravy etc. The leekes in creamy cheese sauce were delicious. The puddings are huge. Will definitely return. Two courses £24 - bargain! Thank you for a stunning meal in a lovely setting

KC
Kaela C.
4 months ago

We recently visited here after I spotted the beautiful food on Instagram. It was better than expected! We highly recommend the scotch egg, the fillet steak and the steak and ale pie. The service was wonderful and we will definitely return. Many thanks.

SH
Sophie H.
10 months ago

Absolutely delicious Sunday dinner today! Even though it was busy, we didn't have to wait long for our delicious starters (homemade goujons are a must!) And they brought my daughter's pasta dish out with the starters...a huge bowl of tomato pasta she thoroughly enjoyed. Then our Sunday lunches were served. Plentiful portions, lots of veg and extra gravy. Very happy customers, we will be back!

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Location & Hours

Opening Hours

MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen

Location

Frequently Asked Questions

The White Lion offers a diverse menu showcasing British cuisine, with standout dishes like slow-roasted rib of beef, homemade beetroot Wellington, and fresh seafood options like Cornish king scallops.

Yes, The White Lion is great for families. It offers a welcoming atmosphere, a children's menu, and spacious seating for groups.

Parking is convenient at The White Lion, with free on-site parking and additional free street parking available.

Absolutely! The White Lion accepts reservations, ensuring you have a table ready for your visit.

Why visit The White Lion

The White Lion deserves a spot on your dining list, offering more than just food—it’s a genuine experience. The warm and welcoming atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for any occasion, making it ideal for family gatherings, dates, or a casual meal with friends.

Make a note to visit on a Sunday for their famous lunch, renowned for generous portions and a vast selection of sides. It’s a beloved local tradition that captures the heart of comfort dining. For budding foodies, the rotating seasonal specials bring new delights to each visit, ensuring your palate is always entertained.

Aside from the food, the after-meal drinks at The White Lion are worth lingering for; the selection of craft beers and wines delight even the most discerning connoisseurs. With cozy seating and an eager-to-please staff, this pub transcends typical dining experiences, inviting all to celebrate life’s moments here.